Menu
MapConnectionsTopicsBulgariaThe Night (K-TRIO)Marie Skłodowska-CurieFor studentsFor teachersMethodologySurprise me
HEDoctoral network2023–2027

NERVSPAN · Molecular Dynamic of Neurons during C. elegans Lifespan

Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2023-09-01 → 2027-08-31
EU contribution
€2,748,233
Participants
18
Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Molecular Dynamic of Neurons during C. elegans Lifespan

Neurons form intricate networks and communicate with each other through synaptic protein complexes. Neuronal excitability and signal propagation are governed by transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression as well as by precise protein trafficking. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the NERVSPAN project aims to investigate neuronal function and identify biomarkers that distinguish healthy from pathological neuronal states. By training young researchers in techniques such as RNA sequencing, proteomics and optogenetics, the project will prepare fellows for careers in neurobiology and pave the way towards drug discovery and therapy development.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

The objective of this network is to train, through research, a group of 10 young scientists, giving them the practical skills and knowledge necessary to tackleThe function of a neuron is determined by its expression of morphogen receptors and adhesion proteins (to pattern its connectome), of synaptic protein complexes (for intercellular communication), and of ion channels (for neuronal excitability and signal propagation). The protein composition of any neuron is itself dependent on gene expression controlled by transcription factors and by post-transcriptional regulations (splicing, translation, protein stability). Finally, neurons are highly compartmentalized cells and require trafficking of proteins to their correct locations. Alterations of these neuronal features can therefore be observed at multiple levels: molecular, cellular, and behavioral. We will focus on three neuronal features: i) gene expression levels as measured by RNA sequencing and proteomics, ii) assembly of functional multiprotein complexes (by high resolution microscopy and proximity dependent protein labelling), and iii) phenotypic output via a combination of optogenetics, calcium imaging, and behavioral assays.This research program will help define the critical features that differentiate between physiological and pathological states of a given neuron. Such biomarkers would be precious to facilitate drug screens or develop novel therapeutic strategies for human neurological diseases.The interdisciplinary research and training programme will cover a broad spectrum of approaches and topics, fromintracellular molecular interactions to cell–cell communication, gene expression profiling, the impact of deleterious mutations,behavioral studies, and translation regulation. Coupled with extensive network-wide transferable skills training, this will prepare thefellows for careers in the medically important field of neurobiology as well as a broad range of carriers including government andindustry.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE · ParisCoordinatorFrance
  • Agentek (1987) LtdIsrael
  • CENTRE EUROPEEN DE RECHERCHE EN BIOLOGIE ET MEDECINE · Illkirch GraffenstadenFrance
  • Debatrix v.o.f. · RotterdamNetherlands
  • INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AUSTRIA · KlosterneuburgAustria
  • MAGNITUDE BIOSCIENCES LIMITED · SEDGEFIELDUnited Kingdom
  • RNAssist Ltd · CambridgeUnited Kingdom
  • Resonance Voice Training Ltd · Woodhall SpaUnited Kingdom
  • SINGLE CELL DISCOVERIES BV · UtrechtNetherlands
  • Sarah Blackford · LancasterGermany
  • UNIVERSITE DE BORDEAUX · BordeauxFrance
  • UNIVERSITE DE STRASBOURG · StrasbourgFrance
  • UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES · Bruxelles / BrusselBelgium
  • UNIVERSITE LYON 1 CLAUDE BERNARD · Villeurbanne CedexFrance
  • UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT · UtrechtNetherlands
  • UNIVERSITY OF DURHAM · DURHAMUnited Kingdom
  • WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE · RehovotIsrael
  • loopbio gmbh · WienAustria

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union